It is a high-priority emergency when the LINE app crashes immediately upon opening or freezes on the logo screen. In most cases, the reason LINE won’t start is due to device-side factors: corrupted app data (cache accumulation), insufficient memory, or version mismatches between the app and the OS.
This article categorizes the causes into three patterns and provides a step-by-step guide to emergency fixes—such as force-quitting and clearing cache—that you can try without losing your chat history. Let’s restore your vital communication line.
Main Causes Why LINE Won’t Open or Start
1. App and Device Issues (The Most Frequent Cause)
- Cache Accumulation/Corruption: Stored data (cache) has become excessive or corrupted, preventing the startup process from completing.
- Insufficient Device Memory: Too many background apps are running, or the device is low on storage, leaving insufficient RAM to launch LINE.
- Temporary Device Glitch: The smartphone’s system or the app itself has entered a temporary “frozen” state.
2. System and Version Issues
- Outdated App Version: The app has lost compatibility with the latest OS or server requirements, causing an error at startup.
- Outdated OS: An old version of iOS or Android is causing conflicts with the newer version of the LINE app.
- LINE System Outage: LINE’s servers are down or the authentication system is malfunctioning, preventing the app from connecting during startup.
3. Account Issues
- Account Ban: If an account has been permanently suspended for violating Terms of Use, the app may freeze during the login/authentication phase.
Emergency Response: Steps to Fix LINE Startup Issues
These steps prioritize protecting your chat history, starting with the safest methods.
Step 1: Basic Refresh (Safe for Chat History)
| Action | Purpose & Operation |
| Force Close & Restart | Completely close the app (remove from background) and relaunch it. |
| Restart Your Device | Power your phone completely off and on. This resolves many minor system glitches. |
| Check Connection | Toggle between Wi-Fi and mobile data to ensure a stable internet connection. |
| Update OS | Check your phone’s settings to ensure iOS or Android is updated to the latest version. |
Step 2: App Data & Maintenance (Possible Data Risk)
- Update the App: Check the App Store or Google Play Store for any pending LINE updates.
- Clear Cache (Recommended for Android ONLY):
- Go to Settings → Apps → LINE → Storage & Cache → Clear Cache.
- Warning: Do NOT select “Clear Storage/Data,” as this will delete your account information.
- Reinstall the App (Final Resort/Required for iPhone):
- Delete and reinstall the app. Only do this if you are certain your chat history is backed up. * Upon logging back in, you can restore your chat history from your backup.
Step 3: Final Measures
- Check for Outages: Search “LINE outage” on X (Twitter) or Google to see if there is a widespread system failure.
- Contact Support: If none of the above work, use the “LINE Contact Form” to report the issue, providing details about your device and the situation.
💡 Preventive Measures: Habits for App Stability
- Auto-Backup Chat History (MANDATORY): Go to Settings → Chats → Chat history backup and set up automatic backups to iCloud or Google Drive. This is your safety net if you ever need to reinstall.
- Keep Everything Updated: Enable auto-updates for both your OS and the LINE app to ensure you always have the latest bug fixes.
- Periodically Clear Cache: If the app feels sluggish, Android users should clear the cache. iPhone users may consider a clean reinstall once in a while to refresh the data.
- Maintain Free Storage: Keep at least 10–20% of your device storage free to prevent crashes caused by memory shortages.
By following these steps, you can quickly resolve startup issues and keep your LINE data safe.
